I found out I was pregnant in early December but, sadly, we lost the baby on Christmas Eve at 7 weeks. I wasn't too surprised because I hadn't been experiencing any symptoms and even expressed this concern to JP. So when it was confirmed, we were definitely disappointed but I felt like my lack of symptoms had prepared us for the possible loss. We decided to wait the recommended 3 months before trying again but God had other plans because, lo and behold, I was pregnant again less than 2 weeks later. Since I hadn't had any symptoms the first time, I really didn't know what to expect. I think I had mostly logged horror stories so I've been pleasantly surprised at the course my pregnancy has taken so far! As I read through each week in my pregnancy apps, I find myself noting that most of the ugly symptoms don't apply to me...yet. ::knock on wood:: So, what did the first trimester look like for me?
Ta Tas
BOOBIES! It was the first thing I noticed. They immediately got bigger and heavier. Like an achy heavy, especially on the sides. I dreaded taking my bra off, it hurt so bad...so I just didn't. And while the pain is less now, they're still growing. I'm in awe each time I look in the mirror. And I never take my bra off now, unless it's to put a sports bra or maternity bra on when I'm ready for bed. They are something to behold at a whopping 32DDD and I honestly hope they go back to their regular size post baby girl.
Fatigue, Nausea, General Blah
I lump these together because they all occurred around the same time. I started feeling pretty tired around 5 weeks. But it wasn't a fatigue like women usually describe, where they can't keep their eyes open to save their life. I remember a solid 2 weeks where I was good for nothin'. I'd get home from work and climb in bed and just lay there or watch TV. I never actually slept. I just had absolutely no energy. I felt so bad because JP was making dinner every night and doing laundry. And I felt like I wasn't really present for the girls when we had them. That lack of energy was coupled with a general feeling of just blah, almost like a hangover or like I was recovering from being sick. That was followed by a handful of random days where I was a little nauseous. Those were the darkest days for me. So, about 3 weeks total of that and my energy was back in full force before I was even out of the first trimester.
Appetite - Or lack thereof
I'm a foodie. I literally get so excited about eating. JP and I have a similar palette and our cravings always seem to be in sync. So, he was visibly bummed when he started suggesting things that I normally love and they sounded unappetizing. My beloved chicken milanese was one of the first to go. No chicken was safe really, except Chick-fil-A. It was really frustrating to be hungry and nothing sound good. The thought of most foods made me feel like they possibly could make me sick so I just didn't go there at all. I ate a lot of sandwiches and had my fair share of smoothies. Most cooked meats and veggies sounded gross. My appetite is slowly starting to come back but I don't have any crazy pregnancy cravings. I've noticed I've been eating a little more sweets than I used to but that's about it. Before I was pregnant, I would choose chips and dip over ice cream any day. And now chips don't excite me like they used to.
Hair, Nails...and Gums
My hair's always been on the thinner side but I've noticed it's been getting thicker. Not a huge amount but I can definitely tell a difference when I grab it all in one hand. It's certainly shinier. And my nails are growing at an annoying rate. What I didn't know is that your gums can bleed easier when you're pregnant due to inflammation. Mine act up when I floss.
Emotions
JP might disagree but I feel like I've been pretty even keel emotionally. I've had a handful of days where I was extra sensitive but it helped that I knew exactly why I was feeling the way I was. I had a day-long meltdown one Sunday because I wanted to snuggle and JP was busy. I immediately burst into tears that didn't stop until that evening. And it was so frustrating because I knew I was being irrational and that the tears weren't justified, but I just couldn't help it. A few other silly things have set me off, but not to that extent. I still get a little weepy sometimes but I can tell it's when I'm overwhelmed. I can usually snap myself out of it and it passes quickly.
As far as symptoms go, that's about it. I feel really lucky so far. I somehow seem to have skipped out on the full-blown morning sickness, constipation, acne, gas and heartburn that I've heard plagues the first trimester. I understand these can rear their ugly head later on, so I'll enjoy this while it lasts. I also thought I'd start showing much sooner. I remember thinking at 5 weeks that it was just a matter of weeks before the cat was out of the bag. But I didn't gain any weight during the first trimester. I'm not excited about getting bigger, as I've always been pretty body conscious, but I know it's what's best for the baby and I'm just trying to keep my weight gain in check by not going crazy with the food and staying active. I find that power walking is an easy way to get my heart rate up and get some endorphins pumping. I'm just trying to listen to my body and enjoy the ride. She'll be here in no time!
